Bill helping veterans in college up for vote

The Wisconsin Senate is scheduled to vote on a bipartisan bill that would give veterans priority over other students when they register for University of Wisconsin System and state technical college classes.

Supports say the bill up for a vote Tuesday in the Senate would help veterans graduate before federal GI Bill benefits expire. The program provides help for veterans enrolled in classes for 36 months, but UW officials say the benefits sometimes run out a semester or two before students graduate.

The proposal also would extend benefits to technical college students starting next year.

The Assembly passed the bill in June. Once it passes the Senate, it goes to Gov. Scott Walker for his consideration.

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